Civil Protection Level Downgraded to Alert Phase

The National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police has decided to move the civil protection level from emergency phase back to alert phase for the eruption north of Vatnajökull glacier, which began at midnight and ended at around 04:00. The decision was taken in collaboration with the District Commissioners in Húsavík and Seyðisfjörður.

A statement from the National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management reads:

“This decision is based on scientific evaluation of the situation. There is still significant seismic activity in the area and travelers are encouraged to follow news and www.safetravel.is for continued updates.

Restrictions on roads and areas in Jökulsárgljúfur canyon up to Dettifoss waterfall from the west-side, road 862, are still in effect, as well as other closures in the highlands north of Vatnajökull glacier.

At 10:00 UTC, the Icelandic Met Office changed the Aviation Colour Code for Bárðarbunga to ‘orange,’ signifying that significant emission of ash into the atmosphere is unlikely. The aviation colour-code for the Askja volcano remains at ‘yellow’.”